This
is the 1/48 Academy Minicraft P-38M kit, I used a combination of True Details
wheels and cockpit and scratch built parts for the Radar Operators station. The
markings are a combination of AeroMaster sheet 48-631, kit decals and also
decals from the Revell P-38 kit. The kit was assembled per instructions except
for the Radar Operators station which is a combination of scratch built and kit
bashing. The seat is from a P-61 and the side wall instrumentation is from an
F-82.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The model
was painted with a combination of Model Master, Floquil and Alclad paints.
Once the kit coated with a coat of Alclad primer in then sprayed
the aircraft with a coat of Dura aluminum. This was allowed to dry for a
few days then I began to applying several coats of Model Master Gloss
Black. The top coat was allowed to dry for several weeks and then I
began the process of weathering, I wet sanded the aircraft with 3800 grit
sand paper to simulate the wear and tear this aircraft was exposed to. I
polished the areas were the decals were applied to and then sealed with
Model Master Semi Gloss clear and Floquil Crystal Clear. I applied a light
wash of Heavenly Hues Black and Brown to a few areas of the airframe.
This
aircraft was assigned to the 421st Night Fighter Squadron and was part of
the occupation forces stationed on mainland Japan at the end of the hostilities
of WW II.
Mike Lepek
|